Regulator makes LRSSB recommendations

AN Office of Rail & Road review of the Light Rail Safety & Standards Board (LRSSB) has concluded that the body is “supporting continued improvements in managing safety”, but makes six recommendations regarding its role. The ORR recommends that tram operators, owners and infrastructure managers should continue to support the role of the light rail safety and standards body. It adds that the LRSSB should review and update its terms of reference to clearly define its role and purpose, review the current model of voluntary membership and adoption of its outputs, develop stakeholder engagement and have a long-term strategy defining governance for delivering a plan of work. The final point made is for the ORR to consider whether there is a continuing need for a memorandum of understanding or agreements relating to light rail or tramways. The LRSSB was established as a direct result of the Rail Accident Investigation Branch report into the overturning of a Croydon Tramlink tram at Sandilands Junction on November 9, 2016, which led to the deaths of seven passengers. The ORR is prosecuting Transport for London, Tram Operations Ltd and tram driver Alfred Dorris over alleged breaches of health and safety legislation.